CSU student treks world wonder for charity

Sunday 19 Jun 2016

Motivated by her father's diagnosis with Parkinson's
disease, a Charles Sturt University (CSU) student has set her sights on walking
one of the world's greatest architectural feats, the Great Wall of China.

Bachelor of
Physiotherapy (Honours) student Ms Claire Smart (right) and her friend Ms Elizabeth
Zoneff will walk part of the Great Wall of China to raise money for research into
the progressive disease.

"Thirty-two Australians are diagnosed with
Parkinson's disease everyday, making it the second most common
neurological disease in Australia," Ms Smart said.

"There's currently no known cure for the
condition,
however the not-for-profit organisation, Shake it Up Australia
Foundation, funds vital research into better treatments and ultimately, a
cure.

"This sort of research is very close to our
hearts as my Dad was diagnosed
with early onset Parkinson's disease two years ago.

"This has opened our eyes to what a big impact
Parkinson's disease has on so many people and Elizabeth
and I want to
show our support for others in the community in a similar situation."

Labelling it an 'adventure charity challenge', the
friends will trek a
40-kilometre section of the Great Wall in Heibei
Province for eight days from the Monday 26 June to
Monday 3
July.

Originally from Canberra, Ms Smart moved to CSU in Albury-Wodonga
in 2015 to study physiotherapy. She hopes to work in paediatrics and with
people with disabilities.

"Our goal is to raise at least $3 000
before we depart Australia and donate it all to the Shake It
Up Australia Foundation so that the organisation can continue its
great work,"
Ms Smart said.